find out

To learn a fact or the truth by asking, checking, or noticing something.

• I want to find out more.
• We found out why the lights stopped working.
• Have you found out where she lives?

How to use it: find out about something (I want to find out about the course.); find out that… (We found out that the shop was closed.); find out who/what/where/how… (Can you find out when the train leaves?)

Similar words: discover, learn

Common phrases: find out why, find out more, find out something

To discover that someone has lied, cheated, or done something wrong.

• The cheat was found out.
• He lied for months before his family found him out.
• Did you really think you would never be found out?

How to use it: find someone out (His employer eventually found him out.); be found out (She feared being found out.)

Similar words: expose, catch

Common phrases: find out someone, find out cheats

To learn a fact or the truth by asking or checking.

• Let us find out the price.
• She found out that the meeting had been cancelled.
• Can you find out who sent this letter?

How to use it: find out about something (She called to find out about the fees.); find out that… (I found out that he had moved.); find out who/what/where/how… (Let us find out how this works.)

Similar words: discover, learn

Common phrases: find out why, find out more, find out something